Leading Yourself audiobook cover - Find Joy and Meaning in Your Job Despite Challenges and Setbacks

Leading Yourself

Find Joy and Meaning in Your Job Despite Challenges and Setbacks

Elizabeth Lotardo

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Categories:
ProductivityManagement & LeadershipCareer & SuccessPersonal Development

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Leading Yourself
The Core Concept+
Cultivating Mindset+
Optimizing Work Behavior+
Managing Your Boss+
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Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
According to the book, what is the primary cause of the 'career comedown' many people experience shortly after starting a new job?
  • A. A lack of adequate training and onboarding from the employer.
  • B. The realization that they chose the wrong career path entirely.
  • C. The clash between the high expectations brought into the working world and the reality of the job.
  • D. Toxic workplace cultures that actively discourage employee enthusiasm.
Question 2 of 6
What practical approach does the author recommend for overcoming fear and hesitation in the workplace?
  • A. Committing to '20 seconds of insane courage' to initiate an action.
  • B. Writing down a list of worst-case scenarios to rationalize the fear.
  • C. Waiting until you feel completely confident before pitching an idea.
  • D. Delegating high-pressure tasks to more experienced colleagues.
Question 3 of 6
Why does the author warn against making extreme, overly ambitious promises to yourself, such as waking up at dawn to hit the gym every day?
  • A. Because physical exhaustion will inevitably lead to a decline in workplace productivity.
  • B. Because failing to follow through chips away at your self-reliance and confidence.
  • C. Because managers prefer employees who focus exclusively on their professional goals.
  • D. Because extreme goals often alienate colleagues who feel intimidated by your ambition.
Question 4 of 6
How does the author suggest high achievers should handle low-priority tasks to prevent burnout?
  • A. Delegate all low-priority tasks to junior team members immediately.
  • B. Embrace the concept of 'phoning it in' by deliberately applying minimal effort to them.
  • C. Work longer hours on weekends to ensure every task meets a standard of perfection.
  • D. Group them together and complete them during the most energetic part of the day.
Question 5 of 6
What is recommended as an effective strategy for protecting yourself when dealing with a truly toxic boss?
  • A. Confront them publicly during a team meeting to ensure there are witnesses.
  • B. Immediately request a transfer to a different department without notifying them.
  • C. Confirm their expectations in writing after discussions to reduce miscommunication.
  • D. Match their toxic behavior to establish dominance and set firm boundaries.
Question 6 of 6
To shift an unproductive culture of private complaining, what simple question did a head of HR start asking employees who complained about their colleagues?
  • A. 'Have you considered how this affects the company's bottom line?'
  • B. 'What did they say when you told them?'
  • C. 'Are you sure you aren't overreacting to the situation?'
  • D. 'Would you like me to file a formal grievance on your behalf?'

Leading Yourself — Full Chapter Overview

Leading Yourself Summary & Overview

Leading Yourself (2023) offers practical strategies for transforming your work experience – even in less-than-ideal job situations. It provides tools to manage self-doubt, handle difficult bosses, and make informed career decisions, empowering you to take control of your professional growth.

Who Should Listen to Leading Yourself?

  • Professionals seeking greater job satisfaction
  • Employees facing workplace challenges
  • Individuals interested in self-improvement at work

About the Author: Elizabeth Lotardo

Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and online instructor known for helping organizations foster emotional engagement in the workplace. She’s the co-author of Selling with Noble Purpose and regularly contributes to Harvard Business Review. Her expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and on NPR, and she has developed numerous courses for LinkedIn Learning, focusing on leadership and purpose-driven work experiences.

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